HANNIBAL - The City of Canton will receive a $232,549 infrastructure grant through the Safe Routes to School program for new ADA accessible sidewalks to begin at 7th and Nesmith Streets and run along 7th, White, 6th and Washington Streets and end at the Canton R-V School.

The Federal SRTS Program provides Federal-aid highway funds to State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) solely for the purpose of SRTS infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects, and to administer state SRTS programs that benefit elementary and middle school children in grades K-8. Missouri's SRTS Program is administered by MoDOT, however these funds cannot be used for road or bridge type projects. The SRTS program is focused on providing safety improvements, ADA improvements, safety education and encouragement for grade school (K-8) children to be able to walk to school safely.

"We are pleased the City of Canton is going to benefit from this grant," said Bob Manzke, District Design Liaison. "Safety is our number one priority, and we are glad our communities are able to utilize these funds to provide safe walking routes for the school children," he added.

The SRTS program will benefit communities by making bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle for school children from an early age. General information can be found online at http://www.modot.mo.gov/. Click on "Safety" and then go to Safe Routes to School. You can also call (800) 800-BELT for more information. If you have questions about this or other transportation issues in your area please call MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll free at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636) during normal business hours or visit the project website at www.modot.org/northeast.